The slow-cooker (or Crock-Pot—whatever you want to call it!) is my best friend in the kitchen each winter. There is no better way to get a wholesome, delicious family dinner on the table when you are exhausted from work or parenting. One of my favourite healthy soups to make during the cold season is Slow-Cooker Tomato Soup.

I prepare it in the morning and let it simmer all day long, filling the house with tantalizing scents. When it's time for dinner, I simply serve it with an easy grilled cheese sandwich or side of healthy baked chicken. This is the perfect winter's eve dinner to make your family feel cosy and satisfied.

Preparation:

Step 1: In a small pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the shallots and stir until softened. Add the garlic and stir for one more minute. Scrape the softened shallots and garlic into the slow-cooker.

Step 2: Pour the tomatoes, chicken broth, and torn basil leaves into the slow-cooker. Turn to high heat and cook for 3 hours.

Step 3: At the 3 hour mark, use a hand blender to puree the tomatoes. Alternatively, you can scoop the soup ingredients out of the slow-cooker and into a blender or food processor; process until smooth, and once blended, return the mixture to the slow-cooker.

Step 4: Add the spinach, sugar and balsamic vinegar to the soup and stir it in the slow-cooker. Turn the slow-cooker to low heat and cook for one more hour.

Step 5: After 4 hours, keep the soup warm until you are ready to serve it! Sprinkle the tops of each bowl with a little Parmesan cheese before serving.

Kelsey Banfield, The Naptime Chef, believes parents don't have to give up being foodies just because they have kids. Kelsey's website features webisodes, recipes and ideas on how to fit delicious food into everyday life, without compromising quality or taste. Kelsey is also the author of the newly published cookbook, The Naptime Chef Fitting Great Food Into Family Life.